TikTok influencers fuelling parallel market for unlicensed weight-loss drug

The article highlights the emergence of a parallel market for an unlicensed weight-loss drug, retatrutide, which is still in clinical trials. This trade is being fueled by TikTok fitness influencers, who are advertising the drug's supposed fat-burning effects to their followers. The influencers are directing their followers to private messaging channels, where they can obtain supplier links and discount codes for the drug. The article emphasizes that the sale of retatrutide is illegal, as it has not been approved for commercial use. The Guardian's investigation reveals a thriving trade of the drug on platforms like Telegram, where sellers are capitalizing on the growing demand generated by the influencers' promotion. The article underscores the potential risks associated with the unregulated distribution of this unapproved medication, and the concerning role of social media influencers in driving this parallel market.